One year post-GK MRI - stressed out

[mk]

Well, my one year post-GK MRI is tomorrow (hard to believe that a full year has passed), and I am beginning to feel very anxious about it. I don't mind the test itself at all, I actually find that it is a good opportunity to rest for half an hour not doing anything. But I am really anxious about the results.Today I am feeling some odd sensations, fullness in the ear and twitches - I wonder if these symptoms are because of the stress.
Admittedly this past week has been really stressful with the kids getting a nasty stomach flu - the little one was very sick, and of course I feel very tired and sleep deprived. Oh well, maybe I'll take a nap in the MRI machine.

Wish me good luck!
Marianna

[nteeman]

Good luck!

Neal

[sgerrard]

Hi Marianna,

I will bet you a hat that you get a good MRI. 

I am predicting no growth and signs of mild necrosis. Let us know tomorrow!

Steve

[Keeping Up]

Good luck MK

I did pick-up my CD last week (it was so easy to read when the doctor showed us - but for the life of me can't find it now) - it took about 10 minutes and was FREE (shocker for public medicine, all seems free!).  But I did ask - if you are having it done at Toronto Western, Princess Margaret or Toronto General (well, maybe you aren't even coming to Toronto - didn't think of that), the download is available immediately as it is all digital.

In case you have a long wait until you get an appointment with your doctors (GK centre?).

Oddly worded post, I know - but if you are in Toronto tomorrow (or soon), I work downtown right beside Union Station.

Ann

[yardtick]

Sending you calming vibes Marianna. 

Anne Marie

[mk]

Thank you all (including David, Jim and Rich from the thread on "AN this week") for your kind wishes.

Obviously I didn't wait for the radiologist report, but got the CD and checked out the images myself. As far as I can tell there is some serious "darkening" going on at the centre, and no noticeable (at least by me and hubby) change in shape/size. So I take it that the news is good, pending of course follow up by the doctors. It never seizes to amaze me though how big this AN thing seems on the images brrrr.

Ann, thanks for the tips re "the how to get the CD from the Toronto University Hospital Network" saga. I have done my MRIs at TWH twice, and finally figured out how to get the CD. For my regular follow ups I do my MRIs at the local clinic and I get the CD on the spot (for free). I do have a follow up appointment at the GK centre in Toronto later this month.

Marianna

[sgerrard]

As far as I can tell there is some serious "darkening" going on at the centre, and no noticeable (at least by me and hubby) change in shape/size.

Told you so. 

Steve

[Keeping Up]

Well done - can't wait to hear the formal report.

I got most of my MRI CD tips from you - but was so amazed that the CD would be available instantaneously (well, I will have to wait until 8am for the desk to open since my MRI is at 6am).

Amazed you can read your MRIs so well - I have spent the last hour mapping this line versus that line and I think I finally found the tumor.  Remember, my tumor is so so small, it can hide into only 1 or 2 slides.

congrats again.

Ann

[suboo73]

MK, 

Glad to hear things are looking good for your 1 year follow-up!  We all appreciate the updates, especially those of us in W & W.
Can't wait to hear the final report for full confirmation - so good luck later this month!

I was very anxious last week for first 6 month MRI...golly, molly.  That's when i decided the vacation from March 24th-31st was perfect timing, and when i got to the doc, he could see the digital images immediately, no waiting.  I do not have the formal report yet, but the doc basically declared the AN 'unchanged.'  I still want to see it in 'writing' i don't know why - maybe because i can read the words, easier than the CD!

My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sincerely,
Sue

[mk]

Thank you all, and Steve yes it seems that you were right (as always).  I will certainly provide a "one year post-GK follow up" report once I have all the information, including the hearing test and the appointment at the GK centre.

Donnalynn, I really appreaciate that you took the time to think about me given what you have been going through. I have followed your story quietly and I am really glad that things are looking up now. When I see people who have gone through so much with so much faith and courage I realize that I have nothing to complain about. I'm sending you lots of hugs.

Sue, I think the doctor's opinion matters more, because he is familiar with your AN and how it may or may not have changed. So you should rest assured for now.

And Ann, way to go, you figured out how to read your MRIs.  I found it is very important to do that, so you go armed with information and questions to your appointments (and wow, your AN is hiding in only one-two slices this is awesome - mine is really hard to miss).

Marianna

[mk]

I am back from the audiology test, and I thought I would provide an update. Pretty much "unremarkable" as Steve would say. Hearing is holding steady at the same levels as pre-GK (which is slightly diminished than normal, more so at low frequencies). More importantly word recognition still at 100%. So it seems that GK can also result in good hearing retention, at least for the short term.

Marianna

[ppearl214]

Marianna,

hearing still intact and you are doing fine! Congrats on this news and continued wellness and hugglez!

Phyl

[Pooter]

That's great news!  Congrats on the good results!

Regards,
Brian